| When it comes to holding back tons of dirt, you | | | | - Build at your own pace |
| basically have two choices. Hire a mason contractor | | | | - You have more block color and style choices |
| and have a traditional concrete block wall | | | | Case Study |
| constructed, or you can do it yourself with | | | | In my case, the wall I needed is about 75 feet long |
| interlocking (or segmented) retaining wall blocks. | | | | and from 3 to 4 feet high. The estimate received for |
| The use of retaining wall blocks as opposed to | | | | the traditional concrete block wall was $6,500. The |
| traditional concrete retaining wall construction is | | | | cost of materials for interlocking blocks was $1,200... |
| increasing in popularity. You may notice many new | | | | a $5,300 savings. Make no mistake about it, this is |
| commercial construction projects that are using the | | | | hard work. The basic steps you take are to dig for |
| stacking blocks method of retaining wall construction | | | | your foundation row, stack block, check for proper |
| for many reasons. | | | | alignment and level, then backfill and compact. These |
| Advantages of using retaining blocks | | | | block weigh 62 lbs. each, but if you are up to the |
| - Do it yourself and save money | | | | task and want to save some serious money on a |
| - These blocks create a strong wall that can be | | | | project like this, the stacking blocks are a great |
| considered permanent | | | | option. For my project, I chose to use the Verdura |
| - Building permits are not required until the wall | | | | 30 block made by and available at Home Depot in |
| becomes over 4 feet high - Building codes will vary. | | | | California. |
| Check your local codes. | | | | This is a great project for the Do It Yourselfer with |
| - The wall can be re-configured or removed if | | | | a strong back and the will to save some serious |
| needed in the future | | | | money on a soil retaining wall. It is very satisfying to |
| - The block can be re-used | | | | stand back and look at your completed project with |
| - The wall can be planted to create a "living wall" | | | | pride as well as gain the envy of your neighbors. |
| (depending on the type of block used) | | | | |